Start of private development signals next phase for Elizabeth Quay
First Ritz-Carlton hotel for Perth as brand returns to Australia
1,200 new jobs to be created throughout construction
Work has started on Elizabeth Quay's first private development, the 5-star Ritz-Carlton hotel and The Towers apartment building, which will create 1,200 jobs and bring luxury accommodation, dining, entertainment and retail options to Perth's waterfront.
Premier and Tourism Minister Colin Barnett was on site today to turn the first sod at the $400 million development, which will comprise a 204-room Ritz-Carlton hotel and 379 residential apartments in two towers adjacent to the Bell Tower.
Mr Barnett said the Liberal National Government had successfully attracted high-quality accommodation providers to Perth, with The Ritz-Carlton, COMO The Treasury, Crown Towers and the Westin hotel underpinning the State's expanding tourism sector.
"Visitors to Perth are attracted by our city's best natural assets, the Swan River and Kings Park, and their experience is enriched through quality accommodation, exceptional public transport and great hospitality - all of which will be on offer at Elizabeth Quay," he said.
"Elizabeth Quay has been embraced by West Australians and has already become an integral part of the Perth city skyline, so it will be exciting to see it change and evolve over the coming years."
Planning Minister Donna Faragher said the construction of The Ritz Carlton at Elizabeth Quay by international developer Far East Consortium International marked the return of the prestigious hotel brand to Australia after a 10-year hiatus.
"This development will attract tourists and residents to enjoy the many features of Elizabeth Quay that have been enjoyed by more than two million visitors," Mrs Faragher said.
"From the Liberal National Government's $440 million investment, we expect to receive more than $230 million in land sales and attract a further $2 billion in investment as development of private buildings gets underway."
Fact File
The Ritz-Carlton hotel and The Towers apartments will be built by Australian based company Probuild and is expected to open in 2019
When complete, Elizabeth Quay will incorporate 800 residential apartments, 400 hotel rooms, 200,000sqm of commercial and office space and 25,000sqm of retail space
For more information, visit http://www.elizabethquay.wa.gov.au
Premier and Tourism Minister's office - 6552 5000
Planning Minister's office - 6552 5300
